Mozambique Steakhouse Restaurant Review

: Mozambique has made a name for itself in South Laguna Beach as a fun, lively place to dine and then party until the wee hours. However, some party people arrive here late for live music, exotic drinks and the bar menu in the upstairs Shebeen Lounge. The venue is an artistic mélange of exotically decorated and inviting rooms, including the Durban Room that's reminiscent of a dark steakhouse. Guests can admire a display case filled with jewelry and treasures from the restaurant's namesake country. The cuisine is an eclectic amalgam of African and European influences, most notably tastes from the Portuguese, who first settled in Africa's Mozambique around the 1500s. Mozambique's unique spicy-but-not-hot peri-peri pepper is introduced in wood-grilled dishes such as chicken and giant prawns, and it also often appears as a condiment. But don't overlook the other flavorful offerings like three kinds of curries, aromatic steaks or Chilean sea bass seasoned with Moroccan spices and served with artichoke, fennel, tomatoes and pesto mashed potatoes. Desserts don't disappoint either, especially the signature banana bread pudding with macadamia nuts and white chocolate. The wine list is stocked with selections from California, Europe and South Africa, and there's a variety of cocktails as well as sangría (available by the glass or carafe).